Media Under Dystopia is a hybrid exhibition program presented by MUD Foundation INC that explores tech-centered art. Our program supports artists pushing the boundaries of immersive technology and critical media as part of their creative practices. It creates exhibitions that combine physical and digital interfaces to explore and co-create through art. By utilizing WebXR and real-time technology, we explore how to transform and experience art, making it more accessible and decentralized.

MUD XR technology is a core component of the MUD Foundation’s exhibition program, dedicated to exploring the societal impacts of digital culture through the innovative use of Extended Reality (XR) technologies. By integrating XR into the exhibition space, MUD provides audiences with immersive, interactive experiences that transcend traditional art displays and redefine how art is created and consumed.

Central to this effort is the XR Platform, which enables the seamless presentation of virtual and augmented reality artworks. This device-agnostic platform allows artists to design and exhibit immersive XR environments that engage viewers in new and dynamic ways. The platform’s scalability ensures accessibility for a diverse audience, creating opportunities for meaningful connections between art, technology, and society.

The Media Under Dystopia exhibition program is a recurring initiative that addresses pressing issues of digital culture and its societal implications. By incorporating XR into these exhibitions, MUD brings to life themes that challenge conventional perspectives, encouraging visitors to participate actively in the narrative. This approach not only enhances audience engagement but also deepens the impact of the artworks on display.

Through its focus on XR-driven exhibitions, the MUD Foundation aims to democratize access to immersive technologies while showcasing their artistic potential. Whether through large-scale XR installations or intimate virtual experiences, the program is committed to broadening the reach of the arts and fostering critical conversations about the role of technology in contemporary life.

The internet has become an integral part of our lives, but it wasn't always this way. In the early days of the internet, artists saw the potential of this new medium as a way to create a different kind of art object and art space. They recognized that the internet had the power to democratize access to information and to create new forms of public space. These artists became known as net art pioneers, and their work laid the foundation for the Media Under Dystopia program.

Net art artists recognized that the internet offered a way to create a public space accessible to anyone with a connection and a computer. They saw the potential of this new medium as a way to bypass traditional art institutions and create a more democratic art world. By utilizing the internet as a public space for art, net art artists were able to create exhibitions that reached a global audience not limited by physical space or time.

One of the key concepts of net art was the idea of interactivity. Net art artists saw the internet as a medium that could be used to create art that was participatory and that encouraged collaboration between artists and audiences. They recognized that the internet offered a way to create art that was more engaged with the world and that had the potential to effect social and political change. By embracing interactivity, net art artists were able to create a new kind of art that challenged traditional ideas about what art could be and who it was for.

MUD Foundation believes that the internet is a vital space for art creation and dissemination. Our Media Under Dystopia program is part of this vision and mission of using the Internet as a public realm for art, and we continue to explore new ways of utilizing this medium to create innovative and experimental exhibitions.

At MUD, we recognize that the future of the internet is an immersive XR ecosystem that is device and interface-agnostic, centered on the user experience. We believe that this shift toward immersive technology will enable artists to create more engaging and impactful art, and will also provide audiences with new ways to experience and interact with art.
As part of this technological journey, MUD Foundation is not only developing our exhibition program but also the technology behind it. We are constantly exploring new ways to use technology to enhance the art experience, from utilizing virtual reality to create immersive installations to utilizing blockchain technology to create more transparent and decentralized systems.

By utilizing the Internet as a medium and public space for art, the Media Under Dystopia program offers a more inclusive and accessible approach to exhibiting art. Unlike traditional gallery and museum shows, which can be exclusive to their physical space, our exhibitions can be accessed from anywhere. This makes them reachable for those needing access to physical exhibitions or feeling less connected to traditional art spaces.

The MUD Foundation embraces innovation to transform how art is accessed and experienced. By integrating machine learning and advanced language models, we provide intuitive tools that enhance information access about artists, artworks, and projects, breaking down barriers to knowledge and fostering deeper audience engagement.

These technologies power conversational interfaces, enabling visitors to explore curated content, artist biographies, and thematic insights in real time. They also support artists and curators with data-driven insights and creative tools, opening new possibilities for expression and audience connection.

Through these efforts, MUD is creating a more interactive and inclusive arts ecosystem, where technology and creativity work together to inspire and connect.

By developing our metaverse platforms and as browser-based real-time 3D XR technology, we are making art more accessible to wider audiences around the world. These technologies allow us to create exhibitions that can be experienced from anywhere with an internet connection. This means that people who may not have the means to travel to physical exhibitions can still experience art in an immersive and interactive way.

As part of this technological journey, MUD Foundation is not only developing our exhibition program but also the technology behind it. We are constantly exploring new ways to use technology to enhance the art experience, from utilizing virtual reality to create immersive installations to utilizing blockchain technology to create more transparent and decentralized systems.

In addition to exploring and developing new technology, MUD Foundation is committed to digital inclusion and accessibility. As we move towards an XR ecosystem, it is crucial that we do not leave anyone behind. We believe that public art has the power to transform public spaces, and by utilizing XR interfaces, we can bring art into the everyday lives of people. This is why we are committed to not only creating immersive exhibitions but also partnering with community organizations to bring our exhibitions to public spaces, making art accessible to everyone. We believe that technology should be used to break down barriers, not create new ones.

At the MUD Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of art and technology to shape a more connected, inclusive, and informed world. By providing artists and audiences with the tools, knowledge, and platforms to explore new possibilities, we empower creativity to thrive in ways that transcend traditional boundaries. Our commitment to accessibility, innovation, and collaboration ensures that every program, exhibition, and initiative serves as a catalyst for growth—bridging communities, fostering understanding, and sparking meaningful change. Together, we are building a future where art continues to inspire, connect, and empower.